France vs Norway recap: All the action from the World Cup warm up match as it happened

Les Bleus' preparations for the tournament in Brazil are off to a flying start after they dispatched Norway 4-0. Recap all the action here

Good evening all, and welcome to our live blog of France's World Cup warm up match against Norway.

Just like you, we've already been struck down with World Cup fever and will watch anything to get our fix.

So it's just as well we've got an intriguing friendly to look forward to tonight. Not many expect Les Blues to lift the trophy in the Maracanã on July 13th, but they will certainly be ones to watch - especially in an accommodating Group E.

Stick with us as we see how Didier Deschamp's men get on against a tricky looking Norway side that includes Premier League players Mats Daehli, Brede Hangeland and Alexander Tettey.

7:08 pm

France's national side has become synonymous with in-fighting and controversy in recent years, and things have already got off to a rocky start for Les Bleus after Samir Nasri's exlcusion from Didier Deschamp's squad sparked outrage in some quarters - with Nasri's girlfriend Anara Atanes particularly aggrieved. Her Twitter outburst prompted legal action from Deschamps, who will be hoping to put the episode firmly behind him with a win over Norway tonight.

Karim Benzema and Raphael Varane are still recovering from Saturday's gruelling Champions League final (the latter still probably running away from a furious Diego Simeone) so will sit this one out, while Franck Ribery has been relieved of match duty by Deschamps after a mammoth season for Bayern Munich.

Captain Hugo Lloris has also been rested, but Deschamps has fielded his first-choice midfield three in Yohann Cabaye, Blaise Matuidi and Paul Pogba.

Norway look set to line up in a 4-4-2 formation. Former Blackburn stalwart Morten-Gamst Pedersen only makes the bench.

7:38 pm

Six of France's starting XI tonight currently earn their keep in the Premier League.

A further four players in the squad also belong to clubs based on these shores.

But that total doesn't quite make them the squad with highest number of Premier League players (after England) at the World Cup. Click here to find out who is.

Tonight's match could be worth watching for Arsenal fans - transfer target Antoine Griezmann starts and will look to link up with Olivier Giroud. The forward scored 16 times for Real Sociedad this season, but is he worth the £26 million buy-out clause?

8:00 pm

In France's final game at the Stade de France, the old stadium is looking fittingly majestic. Kick-off moments away...

A free-kick finds the head of Griezmann who forces Nyland into an acrobatic save and from the resulting corner Giroud makes the Norwegian 'keeper repeat the trick. Good start from Les Bleus (who are wearing white).

It's been a positive start from both sides. Giroud has has seen another header fly just wide, but Norway are looking to play their own game and have already ventured deep into the home sides' half. Mats Daehli, fresh from relegation with Cardiff, looks handy.

8:17 pm

Goal: France 1-0 Norway (Pogba)

Valbuena's peach of a cross from the left is met by an unmarked Paul Pogba in the penalty box who easily guides the header home. First of many goals tonight you feel.

8:22 pm

Paul Pogba so nearly grabs a second immediately. The ex-Manchester United man storms through Norway's midfield and blasts a shot just wide of goal. He was a star of France's U-20 World Cup-winning squad last year - could he repeat the trick for the first team this year?

8:25 pm

Wondering what type of football boots the French are wearing tonight? Of course you are. And here's your answer:

Håvard Nordtveit, who has just had an excellent season for Borussia Mönchengladbach, lines up a free-kick from 25 yards out and fires just wide of Ruffier's goal. Norway still trying to play football despite going a goal behind.

8:42 pm

Norway are dominating possession...but struggling to do much with it. Ruffier is forced into a save but it's from a speculative pile-driver from Alex Tettey. The Norwegian must have had images of this goal racing through his mind...

Stéphane Ruffier only got called up to the French squad after Steve Mandanda pulled out with an injury, but he's doing his best to impress with his opportunity. Norway again have a good passage of play that sets Høgli free in the penalty area, but Ruffier beats away his shot with a strong right hand.

8:50 pm

Half-time: France 1 - 0 Norway

The referee brings an end to an entertaining first half. France have largely been in control, but Norway wont lie down. A few more goals are required from Deschamps' men before Brazil, Germany, Spain and the rest of the World Cup contenders start to take notice...

9:02 pm

Antoine Griezmann will have impressed any Arsenal fans watching with his game so far. Meanwhile Giroud's performance has been somewhat familiar..

RT @TamosC Griezmann already showing signs he's ready for AFC, passed to Giroud who missed his run into the area, Giroud then did the face.